Zakynthos Island boasts a unique natural landscape, with over 400 caves mostly located along the coast. The most popular ones are undoubtedly Keri Caves and the Blue Caves, but many others are just as beautiful and are worth exploring. In this article, we’ll review the most interesting and unique ones.

Blue Caves: The Name Can Be Deceiving

The term “Blue Caves” is commonly used by locals to indicate any caves where the strikingly crystal clear water creates mesmerizing reflections of blue light on the walls, thus sometimes causing confusion among tourists. Although the Northern Blue Caves are the most popular and advertised ones, it is worth noting that swimming is prohibited there and excursions only allow you to view them from the boat. Those who prefer a more authentic experience can select our Western Blue Cave Tour, where participants can leave the boat to fully enjoy the magic of these crystal clear waters. For further information: Tour to Shipwreck Beach and the Western Blue Caves.

Western Blue Caves

Located on the west coast of Zakynthos, the Western Blue Caves offer a scene of rare beauty. Unlike the Northern Blue Caves, visitors are allowed to swim inside the Western Blue Caves, thus enjoying an authentic and unique experience, a full immersion in the island’s rugged and unspoiled landscape.
As result of the sunlight reflecting on the rocks and sea, the water inside these caves takes on intense shades of blue and swimmers appear enveloped in a charming turquoise luminescence. This natural wonder makes the Western Blue Caves a must-see destination for snorkeling and underwater photography lovers. The Western Blue Caves are only reachable by sea, through organized tours or by renting a boat with or without a skipper. For more information: Tour to Shipwreck Beach and the Blue Caves.
N.B. In case of adverse sea conditions, excursions are cancelled. However, with Welcometozante, you can reschedule your tour at no additional cost. For updates on weather conditions, follow our Facebook group (CLICK HERE)

Northern Blue Caves

The Northern Blue Caves, also simply known as Blue Caves, consist of a series of arches and caves located in the northern part of the island along the stretch of coast between Agios Nikolaos and Cape Skinari. As for the other caves on the island, the name of this natural wonder comes from the intense blue color that the sea takes on inside the caves. This optical effect, generated from the reflection of sunlight, causes any bodies or objects immersed in the sea inside the caves to take on a magical turquoise hue. To visit them, you can either rent a boat or join an organized tour using a small boat, more info. The first arch can also be reached by land via this location: https://goo.gl/maps/1LnjBP3rK22yQ5Xa8. However, for safety reasons, swimming inside or near the Northern Blue Caves is strictly prohibited due to heavy marine traffic.

N.B. In case of adverse sea conditions, excursions are cancelled. However, with Welcometozante, you can reschedule your tour at no additional cost. For updates on weather conditions, follow our Facebook group and stay updated (CLICK HERE). More info “Blue Caves in Zakynthos“.

Keri Caves

Keri Caves are a series of spectacular arches and caves located in the stretch of coast between Marathia and Keri. This stretch of coast does not provide any direct access to the sea; therefore, the only way to visit them is either by renting a boat that doesn’t require a boating license or alternatively one with a skipper or by joining an organized tour for the Marine Park. Some of these caves have a very small entrance and can only be found if accompanied by a local skipper or guide, whereas others have a large enough entrance that can be entered by boat. Among these caves, the most interesting ones are the “Vromoneria” caves (vrómikos = dirt, neró = water), a series of 3 swimmable caves, inside which a sulfur spring makes the water “dirty”. More info “The Keri Caves“.

Cave of Love (Eros Cave)

Previously known as Pythira, Eros Cave is one of the most enchanting and least known caves on the island. Only reachable by sea, it is an ideal location for those seeking tranquility away from the more touristy areas. The cave has two entrances: a main one, famous for the spectacular images posted on social media, and a smaller one that can only be accessed by swimming through it. More info: Eros Cave Excursion.

Maravelia Cave

Maravelia Cave is one of the Western Blue Caves, located not far from Shipwreck Beach. Inside, there is another cave which can only be reached by climbing up the rocks for a few meters. Due to its narrow entrance and the difficulty maneuvering inside, it can only be visited by renting a boat with skipper.

Damianos Caves

Damianos Cave is located in Agalas, near the tavern bearing the same name. To reach it, just leave your vehicle in the restaurant parking lot and walk the 200 meters of dirt road that leads to the cave. From there, you can enjoy wonderful views of the valley below. Local legend has it that Damianos, the village ruler and protector, fought and defeated the evil dragon Andronios. As a punishment, the dragon was forced to dig twelve wells, one for each month of the year, to provide a water source for local residents. From his cave, Damianos watched Andronios carry out his punishment and when the dragon reemerged, Damianos killed him with his horse, forever tying his fate to the cave bearing his name. Inside the cave, there is in fact a rock that resembles the head of a horse. Eleven of the twelve wells are visible from the surface, whereas the twelfth one is buried underground. They are privately owned and are located just outside the village of Agalas, among vineyards and olive groves. They are still used today as a water supply for the residents.

Black Caves

The Black Cave is located in the Zakynthos countryside and specifically, in the village of Kallithea (location https://goo.gl/maps/C42X4UAca95uUup68). You can reach it by driving on a somewhat bumpy road and then parking in a widening from where you can access the trail to the cave. The trail is carved into the rocks and has a rope to help you climb up and down. From the cave, you can enjoy wonderful views of the east coast of the island. Sneakers are recommended.

Caves of the Spiliotissa Monastery

The Monastery of Spiliotissa(location https://goo.gl/maps/bYc8q5zpy4qwUpRR8) is located near the village of Orthonies. Once you arrive at the monastery, a nun will guide you inside, narrating the history of the building, and will then show you the way to the cave. The trail is impervious but a rope will help you through the most difficult stretches. You’ll have to cross an old dried-up creek (Palio Potami) and after a few hundred meters, you will see an old church partly nestled inside the rocks. Next to the church is the cave. Pay close attention because the rocks are very slippery. From inside the cave you can enjoy incredible views of the valley and the monastery below.

Underground caves

These incredible underground caves, which are over 300m long, are located inland, in the most rugged part of Zakynthos. The road is bumpy and only accessible by quad or jeep. To find the entrance to the cave, you’ll need to be accompanied by a local, who is familiar with the area. You will then descend down to the cave itself using a rope. Inside there are numerous stalactites and stalagmites and a few dozen bats, but the landscape is truly incredible. Going alone is strongly discouraged.

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